U.S. Faces Potential Loss of Measles-Free Status as Cases Surge, Democrats React to Stephen Miller Appointment

Public health officials expect the United States to lose its measles-free designation after a Pan American Health Organization commission reviewed the country’s recent outbreak. The commission, composed of epidemiologists and vaccine experts from the Americas, noted more than 5,000 confirmed cases and 43 outbreaks this year, compared with about 100 cases in 2000. Eight deaths, including four infants too young for vaccination, have been recorded.

An analysis by NBC News and Stanford University highlighted a decline in childhood vaccination rates, citing Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where kindergarten MMR coverage fell to 87.6% in the 2025-26 school year, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Experts attribute the erosion of immunity to longstanding misinformation about vaccines, which intensified during the pandemic.

In Washington, the appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said he has “zero interest” in working with Miller, describing him as a “stone-cold racist.” Rep. Jamie Raskin warned that Miller “might not be able to engage in any kind of course correction.” The comments reflect broader Democratic concerns that Miller’s hard-line immigration stance could impede legislative cooperation and oversight investigations.

Other political developments noted in the briefing include the House’s rejection of an impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the election of Rep. Jim Jordan as Republican leader in the House, and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ refusal to back Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader.

In Russia, the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta ceased operations after authorities revoked its licenses and evicted its staff, marking a significant contraction of press freedom in the country.